The Mangochi Senior Resident Magistrate Court on Friday November 18, 2022 convicted and sentenced Kassan Omar, 31 and Muhammad Allie, 28, to 9-years imprisonment with hard labour each for damaging a motor vehicle and also attempted to rob two Rwandans.
The court heard through Mangochi Police Prosecution Officer lnspector Amos Mwase that, the victims(mother and son) are Rwandans and own a shop within Mangochi Township.
On the evening of May 10, 2022 after closing, they drove straight home on their Mazda Bongo registration TO9612. As they were approaching the house, they saw unregistered dark blue VW motor vehicle parked near their gate.
Prosecutor Mwase added that, upon arrival at the gate the convicts came out from the motor vehicle and charged towards them. They were equipped with sharp panga knives.
The convicts demanded cash from the victims after they smashed the windows and hacked the son on the right arm who sustained a deep cut and broken bone.
As if that was not enough, the thugs also pulled out the mother from the motor vehicle and sprayed pepper in her eyes before they cruised away with nothing from the scene after the victims shouted for help.
The matter was reported at Mangochi Police Station who initiated investigations and successfully arrested the duo on the wee hours of June 9, 2022 near Victoria Forex Bureau after they flopped on another mission at one of the Asian nationals shop within the township using the same motor vehicle.
The convicts were found with two sharp panga knives, black head masks, 3 pliers, metal bars and other breaking equipments hidden in the motor vehicle.
Mangochi Police detectives also conducted identification parade whereby the victims identified the convicts.
Appearing in court both convicts pleaded not guilty prompting the state to parade four witnesses who proved the case beyond reasonable doubt.
In mitigation the convicts asked for court’s leniency stating that they have family obligations.
In his submissions, prosecutor Mwase reminded the court that, the convicts are habitual criminals and had been committing serious breakings targeting foreign and local business owners in the district.
Mwase added that the crime was well organised and their behaviour cannot be tolerated in the society hence prayed for custodial sentences.
Passing sentence Senior Resident Magistrate Rodrick Michongwe concurred with the state.
He therefore sentenced each of them to 9-years for attempted robbery and 6 months imprisonment with hard labour for malicious damage. The sentences to run concurrently.
Omar hails from M’baluku Village, Traditional Authority Chowe while Allie comes from Mwanyama Village, Traditional Authority Mponda both in Mangochi.
Sub Inspector Amina Tepani Daudi
PRO- Mangochi Police Station
Cell:0999-706-525
Email:mamateps1152@gmail.com
Website:www.police.gov.mw